With long time number one choice Tim Howard departing for the MLS, Everton are searching for a new first choice goalkeeper.
Many names have been discussed since Howard’s move became apparent, but with Ronald Koeman now in charge, the focus seems to have shifted to a certain group of goalkeepers. It’s easy to make the Dutch connection with Koeman, it’s made even easier when he brings in a Dutch goalkeeping coach.
One name that has been on the lips of Everton fans for a while is that of Jasper Cilessen. His departure from Ajax seems inevitable but nothing has been reported of his link with Everton since the arrival of Koeman.
If reports are to be believed, the Blues new boss is certain he wants to bring a Dutch goalkeeper to Goodison Park. Tim Krul and Kenneth Vermeer have both been linked but now the Liverpool Echo reports that Koeman would like to bring in Maarten Stekelenburg.
Stekelenburg is reportedly available for a cut-price deal as Fulham are looking to get rid of his £25,000 pound a week wages.
Stekelenburg at Southampton
During his time at Southampton, Koeman brought in Stekelenburg as cover for first choice goalkeeper Fraser Forster. Stekelenburg underperformed when called upon, keeping only six clean sheets in 17 appearances in the Premier League.
At the age of 33, Stekelenburg is not the long option that Everton desperately require. For 18 months, a huge problem for the Blues has been the goalkeeping position and it requires a long-term solution.
Joel Robles performed well at times last season but at 24, he still has a long way to go to becoming a fully fledged Premier League first choice goalkeeper. It’s likely the Spaniard is kept on as a backup option to whoever Koeman eventually brings in.
Other options for the Blues
Everton are desperate for a new number one and with Farhad Moshiri’s significant summer investment, they can afford to look much more upmarket than in previous years.
Fans have already suggested names like Bernd Leno at Bayer Leverkusen, Cillessen and Timo Horn from FC Koln. All would be available for reasonable prices, with Leno and Horn both having buy-out clauses in their contracts.
Asmir Begovic is another name that could be of interest to the Blues. Rumours on Merseyside suggest that they’ve already made an approach to Chelsea and that he could be a reasonable option for Ronald Koeman.